New Stage Theatre Presents SILENT SKY

New Stage Theatre presents Lauren Gunderson's Silent Sky February 13-25, 2018. Curtain times and dates for performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices are $30.00 with discounts available for students, senior citizens and groups. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, located inside the Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center, charged by phone by calling the theatre at (601) 948-3531 or ordered online at www.newstagetheatre.com. Sponsored by the Meyer and Genevieve Falk Endowment Fund for Culture and Arts at the Community Foundation For Mississippi.

As Henrietta attempts to measure the light and distance of stars in her free time at the Harvard Observatory, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a women's place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women's ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believed in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and the Earth. Recommended for ages 11 and older.

"I can't wait for our audiences to experience Silent Sky. The play shines a light on Harvard's ground-breaking astronomers. Much in the spirit of the 2016 film Hidden Figures, Silent Sky brings to life the work of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, who in the early 20th Century rose high above her duties as a "computer" at Harvard and developed the techniques that led to the first discovery of galaxies beyond our own.," says New Stage artistic director Francine Reynolds. "I find this play very gratifying to direct because it includes so many elements that I absolutely love - gorgeous language, history, a true story, romance, humor - and it about historically significant or under-recognized women, written by Lauren Gunderson, a woman who was recognized as the most-produced living playwright by American Theatre magazine in 2016. Also, I am excited to share this story about discovery and truth. It is filled with awe and wonder and will appeal to all generations of play goers. We have assembled a wonderful company to portray the true story of Henrietta Leavitt and how she changed the way we see the universe."

Silent Sky performances are February 13-25, 2018. Ticket prices are $30.00 with discounts available for students, senior citizens and groups. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, charged by phone by calling the theatre at (601) 948-3531 or ordered online at www.newstagetheatre.com. The theatre is located in the Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center at 1100 Carlisle Street in the Belhaven neighborhood.